Archbishop Paul D. Etienne will ordain three new priests for the Archdiocese of Seattle — transitional deacons Michael Barbarossa, Val Park and Kyle Poje — on June 26 during a 10 a.m. Mass at St. James Cathedral. (The Mass is not open to the public, but it will be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Seattle Facebook page and Vimeo channel.)

“Val, Michael and Kyle wonderfully represent the joyful and caring Jesus,” said Father Bryan Dolejsi, director of vocations, noting that they all come from “very supportive” Catholic families and have excelled during their seminary formation.

“While all three are more introverted, they thrive in pastoral settings,” Father Dolejsi said.

“Their vocations have been nourished by the goodness of our local church,” he added, “and they will reciprocate that goodness of the merciful and risen Christ.”

Three new transitional deacons will also be ordained in the coming weeks: John DePalma, Chad Hill and Josh Nehnevaj. For details, or to learn more about vocations to the priesthood or religious life, visit SeattleVocations.com or search SeattleVocations on Facebook and Instagram.

After 10 years as director of vocations, Father Bryan Dolejsi will move on to serve as pastor of Holy Family Parish in Kirkland effective July 1. Father Justin Ryan will be the new vocations director.

Meet the men being ordained to the priesthood June 26:

Michael Barbarossa

Age: 25

Born: Federal Way

Home parish: St. Vincent de Paul, Federal Way

Seminaries: Bishop White (Spokane) and Mundelein (Mundelein, Illinois)

Favorite field of study: I have always loved history, especially local Northwest history. This began when I was young with a fascination about how things were “in the old days” — farm life, railroads and the like. But as I have grown in my faith and studies, I have realized how essential history (both secular and sacred) is for understanding our current context and seeing how God is at work in our midst.

Favorite saint: St. Paul, standing at the foundation of all theology, captivates me. I find it easier to get close to saints when I can read not only about them but also their own writings, and Paul’s letters enjoy the priority of Scripture itself. Paul’s deep knowledge and his tireless witness are exemplary for priestly life. But his confession in Philippians 3 most inspires me: “I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Hobbies: I play the piano and the accordion. Music is a way for me to relax, a basis for so. I also love exploring the beauty of the Northwest, getting outside to hike and cross-counme wonderful friendships in my life, and a means of expressing my faith and serving the churchtry ski. Recently I have been trying to drive all the major scenic highways and byways of Washington.

What was your life like before you began formation for the priesthood? 

I entered seminary right after high school, so much of my life at that time was driven by academics. I enjoyed school and poured a lot of time into my studies. I am also very close to my family. Faith was important to me, but at that time it was simply one of many aspects of my life rather than the center. The major shift over my seven years of seminary has been giving priority to God. I have seen all the other parts of my life — school, music and even family — fall into place in a new way with God as the center.

What person or experience most influenced you to answer the call to priesthood? 

After my confirmation in high school, I began to attend daily Mass occasionally and I found that to be an experience of peace and joy, a sure respite from the cares of the day. This more frequent reception of the Eucharist became an anchor for my personal prayer. Although it was not the first time I had thought about priesthood, it brought the first consistent sense that “I would like to give to others what I have been given by Christ.” It was the centrality of the Mass, more than any one person or moment, that first inspired my discernment.

What do you most look forward to about being a priest? 

I look forward to making Christ present in the Eucharist and preaching the Gospel, showing how God is active in people’s lives. One of the joys of my vocation has been the new ways I have recognized the Lord’s work in my daily life. I want to share that joy with others. At its heart, priesthood is not just about the “functions” of ministry but about growing in union with Christ and letting his generosity define every aspect of my life — that has been such a gift and adventure so far, and I look forward to many years of that journey.

Val Park

Age: 33

Born: Incheon, South Korea

Home parish: St. Andrew Kim, Seattle

Seminary: Mount Angel (St. Benedict, Oregon)

Favorite field of study: My favorite class in seminary was Christian spirituality. We read a book called Holiness by Donald Nicholl, and in the book, there was a profound insight into the redemptive nature of human suffering, namely that there is no such thing as “wasted suffering” — that while we cannot claim to know how human suffering can bring about redemptive effect on the world, that it happens is, however, the clear declaration of Scripture. 

Favorite saint: St. Teresa of Calcutta. Even though I’ve never met her, I feel like I know her. I think her life demonstrates that holiness in this life is indeed possible, and that it is an attractive thing.

Hobbies: I love playing and watching basketball (Go Blazers!), baseball (Go Mariners!) and soccer (Go Korea!), making and eating ramen (especially when it’s raining!), watching good movies (Denis Villeneuve films are great!), going on walks while listening to music, and spending time with my family! 

What was your life like before you began formation for the priesthood? 

While attending Western Washington University, I worked for my dad’s motel as a front desk clerk. During that time, I got involved with the Newman Center, meeting lots of faithful young Catholics who really impacted my own faith. They inspired me to get more involved and really own my faith. Later I helped out with my home parish’s youth group and Sunday school and fell in love with church ministry.

What person or experience most influenced you to answer the call to the priesthood? 

Father Anthony Kim was the parochial vicar at St. Andrew Kim, and he was the person who approached me and planted the seed in my mind about going to seminary and becoming a priest. When I asked him why, he simply said, “I think you’ll be happy there.” He was right. 

What do you most look forward to about being a priest? 

Being a man of communion! Our God is a God of communion and we, made in the image and likeness of God, are ordered toward communion. As Thomas Merton said, “No man is an island,” and indeed we can only truly find ourselves, our meaning and purpose in life, when we learn how to be in communion with God and with others. That is why our celebration of the Eucharist is so central, because we cannot give to others what we ourselves do not have. We cannot give ourselves communion, but rather, we receive communion in our celebration of the Eucharist, and in receiving communion from God, we then extend that communion to those around us. I look forward to growing, experiencing and learning what it means to be a man of communion!

Kyle Poje

Age: 27

Born: Yuba City, California

Home parish: Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Tacoma

Seminaries: Bishop White (Spokane) and the Pontifical North American College (Rome)

Favorite field of study: Biblical theology, because I love encountering God through his voice in the Scriptures. The books of the Bible tell us salvation history, which is the story of God’s unending and unconditional love for his people. Reading these books has given me a lot of opportunity to hear the voice of God speaking to me personally.

Favorite saint: St. Thérèse of Lisieux, because she has taught me what it means to be a saint by her life and words. She discovered the “little way,” which is simply to live a life in which you do little things with great love. She said this is a sure path to sainthood, and I believe her. She’s like a heavenly sister to me. I hope to see her in heaven one day and thank her for her prayers.

Hobbies: I really enjoy board sports, especially skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing. I also enjoy running, playing soccer, making videos and photography. It’s hard for me to say no to any invitation that involves being in the great outdoors. If someone challenged me to a freestyle rap battle, I might consider taking them on.

What was your life like before you began formation for the priesthood?

Before I began formation for the priesthood I was a high school graduate wondering what God was calling me to do. I was planning to become a farmer because I was attracted to the agricultural lifestyle. The farm seemed like a great place to raise a family because of the discipline involved in working the soil. My life was pretty good. It got better when I had the courage to ask what God’s plan for my life was.

What person or experience most influenced you to answer the call to the priesthood?

Father Peter Mactutis asked me one day if I ever considered a vocation to the priesthood. Nobody had asked me that before. I felt in that moment that there was a chance I was called to the priesthood, so I knew I had to look into it. God was stirring in my heart when Father Peter asked those words. His life of prayer, preaching and priestly example also inspired me greatly.

What do you most look forward to about being a priest?

I most look forward to celebrating the sacraments. I marvel at the power of the sacraments. I’ve broken down in tears of joy after receiving the Eucharist or going to confession before. I know Jesus is closer to me than ever when I receive the sacraments. To be a priest and administer those very same sacraments … it leaves me speechless with gratitude.

Northwest Catholic – June 2021